No winner in the rainy basement duel: Union Berlin missed a relief blow against the struggling FSV Mainz 05.
After an intense water fight, the Köpenickers couldn’t get past a somewhat fortunate 1:1 (1:1) in the Bundesliga catch-up game and are still only just above the line.
Jonathan Burkhardt gave the hosts, who are increasingly desperate for their second win of the season, the lead in the long injury time of the first half (45th + 8th). National player Robin Gosens caused an unpleasant carnival day in the carnival stronghold of Mainz with his equalizer (45th + 13th). For table 17th. With a further six points behind Berlin in 15th place, the situation is becoming increasingly threatening.
The game on matchday 18, which was originally scheduled for January 19th, but could not take place due to the onset of winter, went lively. And this time too the weather caused problems – the constant rain in Mainz caused large puddles on the pitch, which repeatedly slowed down the ball.
The guests, who had to make do without their suspended coach Nenad Bjelica for the last time, coped better at the very beginning, but Kevin Volland only hit the crossbar with his technically high-quality shot from the outside of the instep (6th). But Mainz was also immediately wide awake: Union keeper Frederik Rönnow, who had returned after illness, had to make several strong saves from dangerous set pieces in the first ten minutes.
Surprisingly attractive game despite the weather
The game remained surprisingly attractive on the increasingly swampy terrain.
Mainz’s new signing Nadiem Amiri narrowly failed with a free kick (21′), the unfortunate Volland tested the aluminum for the second time, this time the striker hit the right post (39′). In stoppage time, which was extended due to fan protests, the spell was broken: First, Burkardt headed Mainz into the lead after a corner, which Gosens equalized with his volley shot.
In contrast to the sobering 0-1 at home against Werder Bremen last Saturday, the ninth game without a win in a row, Mainz remained dangerous in the second half: Rönnow saved from substitute Silvan Widmer (52nd), Karim Onisiwo missed a terrible one A ricochet shot from Berlin’s Aissa Laidouni created a huge opportunity outside of close range (73′).